PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, more victims are still coming forward with illnesses linked to their time at Ground Zero.<\/p>\n
The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reports a 150% increase in 9\/11-related cancer diagnoses over the last five years.<\/p>\n
Among those now living with the consequences is former Philadelphia Housing Authority officer James Buclary, who is battling a debilitating blood disease.<\/p>\n
Buclary said the attacks felt like a call to serve. “The terrorist attack was a calling. I’ve always been that type of guy,” he said.<\/p>\n
After watching the events unfold on television, Buclary drove to Jersey City and took a boat to lower Manhattan.<\/p>\n
“I packed my camera, ten rolls of film, a change of underwear and just went,” he said.<\/p>\n
He still carries the memories of that week.<\/p>\n
“I went there to rescue people. And by the next day we realized they were all dead. There was no one left to rescue,” he said through tears.<\/p>\n
At Ground Zero, Buclary spent his time helping other responders.<\/p>\n
“They gave me a shopping cart and I was ferrying water and food to the debris mounds of the two buildings,” he said.<\/p>\n
He worked long hours with little protection.<\/p>\n
“When we got too dusty, the firemen would wash us down,” he said.<\/p>\n
“There’s no protective gear here, anywhere, because nobody knew at the time,” he added.<\/p>\n
Two decades later, Buclary was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, a 9\/11-related blood cancer.<\/p>\n
“I go for transfusions twice a week just to stay alive. It’s not fun,” he said.<\/p>\n
His medical costs are covered by the World Trade Center Fund.<\/p>\n
“Thank God for that because I’d be out on the street otherwise, because my pills, per month, are almost $30,000,” he said.<\/p>\n
Despite the toll, Buclary said he has no regrets.<\/p>\n
“I’d do it again,” he said. “I’d probably wear a better mask.”<\/p>\n
Buclary said he remains proud of the work he carried out and proud that his son is continuing a legacy of public service as a Philadelphia firefighter.<\/p>\n
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